☣️ UN 2393 • CLASS 3
Isobutyl formate
Placard: Flammable. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 2393
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 129 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 129: isolate spill 50m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind if large spill; 800m if tank or rail car involved in fire
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Formic acid isobutyl esterIsobutyl methanoate2-Methylpropyl formateHCOOCH2CH(CH3)2 |
| CAS Number | 542-55-2 |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor. Volatile and less dense than water. |
| Flash Point | -6C (21F) |
| Boiling Point | 98C (208F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water, floats on surface |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water fog for cooling containers |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves and suit |
| Isolation | ERG 129: isolate spill 50m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind if large spill; 800m if tank or rail car involved in fire |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 2393 — Isobutyl formate HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2393
Product: Isobutyl formate
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 129
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves and suit
ISOLATION: ERG 129: isolate spill 50m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind if large spill; 800m if tank or rail car involved in fire
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2393 — Isobutyl formate
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 129
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor. Volatile and less dense than water.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water, floats on surface
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water fog for cooling containers
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves and suit
Isolation: ERG 129: isolate spill 50m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind if large spill; 800m if tank or rail car involved in fire
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2393 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2393 Isobutyl formate Cls3 ERG129 | ERG 129: isolate spill 50m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind if l | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2393SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2393
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FAQ
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves and suit
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 129 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.